Sorry for Your Loss

The phrase “sorry for your loss” is often used to convey your condolences for a grieving family. Unfortunately, it seems to fall short when expressing sympathy for and empathy with someone who has experienced loss. Loss is defined as the state of being deprived of or of being without something that one has had. Therefore, loss creates a deep longing for the people or things we lose as it often results in something we can never replace.

Right now, our world is experiencing loss in so many ways. There is a loss of freedom to do so many things we never thought we would lose. We are being told we cannot go to a movie, be with a large gathering of family, or eat at a restaurant. There are so many things I took for granted and never imagined that one day I would lose the ability to enjoy. What is even worse are those people losing their businesses, their livelihoods, their ability to make money and support their family and future. I cannot imagine the magnitude of that loss, as every day would hold a new unknown.

When I was a freshman in high school we lost our home to a fire. The fire department said it took less than 15 minutes for the entire structure to burn down. My mom and I were away at a tennis match returning to find our home gone. The loss that comes with losing all your earthly possessions creates a different type of grief than losing a loved one, as you know you can build a new home and purchase new possessions. Do not get me wrong losing your home and all your possessions stinks and takes a long time to recover.

This summer there was a horrific wildfire that swept through the Omak and Okanogan area. It was a very strange experience to feel the impending doom of potentially losing the ranch. Thankfully, with help of Tim’s sister and husband, we were able to fight back the fire and save much of our pasturelands, home, cows and corrals. Although we lost about 300 acres of pastureland and fences this is not the first time the ranch has experienced loss due to fire. Every time the ranch has experienced loss due to fire, Tim’s Dad and Mom would rebuild. They never gave up, they just kept on doing what it took to keep the ranch running.

As we look at the land that was burnt, it is dark and gloomy. We lost so little compared to many who lost cattle, homes and more. I am thankful for God’s protection, family and firefighters who worked together to save much of our ranch. I remain hopeful that in the spring new grass will grow and the land will heal slowly but surely.

Rebuilding what we lose, takes time, it takes blood, sweat and tears. I suppose that is true for any type of loss. When we lose someone we love; it takes time to heal the hurt and many tears as we grieve. It takes effort to move forward and trust in God’s timing and plan. It requires us to look beyond the here and now and trust that our joy will return.

I wished life were easier, but the fact is, it is not. Unfortunately, we live in a broken world. Loss, pain, and hardship is inevitable.

The silver lining to loss is that these experiences give us a new perspective, a little more wisdom and much more appreciation for what we have lost. To be honest, I do not know how people who do not have a faith make it through these losses. The one thing I count on when I experience loss is God’s comfort and assurance that He is in control.

What loss are you facing today that feels overwhelming? I want you to encourage you to consider Colossians 1:10-11 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way; bearing fruit in ever good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience… . When we experience loss, it is critical to cry and grieve, as that brings about healing. More importantly, we must turn to God who is all powerful and bigger than any problem or situation we will ever face. God is ultimately good and can restore your hope and joy.